The town of Dumfries is an historic market town set along the banks of the River Nith and is the largest town in South West Scotland. Dumfries has been a Royal Burgh since 1186.
Dumfries is perhaps most well known for Scotland’s favourite and national poet Robert Burns, who lived here in the 1790s. The Robert Burns Centre is situated in an 18th century watermill on the River Nith and tells the story of Burns’ last years in the town. A statue of Robert Burns overlooks the town’s High Street.
The town was also home to J M Barrie for 5 years, the playwright best known for his work Peter Pan. Barrie played with friends at the Georgian house Moat Brae. This has since been restored and opened as a visitor attraction. It is now the National Centre for Children’s Literature and Storytelling.
Moat Brae – The Birthplace of Peter Pan
The town of Dumfries is an attractive town. A number of the houses are painted in soft pastel colours of blue, cream, green or brown/yellow, whilst most of the important buildings are built of red sandstone, making an attractive combination. From museums uncovering the local history, medieval castles and strongholds and fun farm experiences to superb forest parks perfect for exploring by bike or on foot. Wherever you end up, Dumfries will provide happy and many fond memories.
Dumfries has a wide variety of independent and independent shops, restaurants, great pubs and welcoming café’s, making it a favourite of visitors to this lovely part of Scotland.
There are many great places to visit near Dumfries, including historic castles, fascinating museums, other enjoyable attractions and interesting places to visit.
Castles & Historic Buildings
Caerlaverock Castle
A 13th-century castle with a twin-towered gatehouse and wide moat. With its moat, twin towered gatehouse and imposing battlements, this impressive angular castle is the epitomy of a medieval stronghold and one of the finest castles in Scotland.
Although ruined, Caerlaverock Castle is a striking looking structure and is a popular film location. Visitors can explore the many different features within its unique triangular construction. The castle’s turbulent history owes much to its proximity to England which brought it into the brutal cross-border conflicts. Come and see some of the medieval siege engines on display in the grounds.
Caerlaverock Castle situated near the town of Dumfries.
Drumlanrig Castle
Drumlanrig Castle is situated on the Queensberry Estate and good day out for the whole family as adventure awaits. The category A listed castle is the Dumfriesshire home of the Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry. It is one of Scotland’s finest examples of 17th-century Renaissance architecture. Towering over the Nith Valley. It is also home to items from the Buccleuch Art Collection including works by Rembrandt and Holbein.
The grounds includes 40 acres of beautifully maintained gardens that lead to the extensive estate, with waymarked walks, cycling, a popular tearoom and shop.
Cardoness Castle
Cardoness Castle is a well-preserved fine example of a 15th-century tower house just south west of Gatehouse of Fleet. It was built in the later 1400s as the fortified residence of the McCullochs.
Glenlair House
The Maxwell at Glenlair Trust – Glenlair House, near Corsock, is famous as the home of the eminent scientist, Professor James Clerk Maxwell. It has been extensively enlarged and modernised since Maxwell’s day. This includes restoring many of the old walks, gardens and woodlands, creating wildlife habitats and conservation using all forms of flora and fauna. The ruins of Glenlair House have been stabilised and a visitors’ centre has been created in the original porch. Next up is to restore the old run down farm.
Sweetheart Abbey, New Abbey
Get a small taste of the history of Sweetheart Abbey and of the love story between John Balliol and Lady Dervorguilla from which the abbey took its name. The graceful ruin nestles between the grey bulk of Criffel and the shimmering waters of the Solway Firth. Its blood-red sandstone walls are vivid against the lush green grass. Enjoy the popular tearooms.
Sweetheart Abbey
MacLellan’s Castle
MacLellan’s Castle is the remains of Sir Thomas MacLellan’s tower house It was built in the late 16th century and can be found in the town of Kirkcudbright on the south side of the River Dee which flows into the Solway Firth. The L-plan style castle was the residence of the MacLellan family.
Museums & History
Robert Burns Birthplace Museum
Robert Burns is Scotland’s National Bard. His poetry and songs are known and loved the world over. But who was he and what made him tick? See the world’s most important collection of Burns artefacts and works in this interactive museum, and visit the humble cottage located in Alloway where he was born and raised. The museum is informative and engaging with a lot of information on Robert Burns and his writing. It includes interactive displays for both children and adults.
Robert Burns House
Robert Burns House
In this humble sandstone house on a quiet street in Dumfries, Scotland’s national poet, is where Robert Burns, spent his final years and wrote some of his best-known poems.
He passed away here in 1796 at the age of just 37. The house offers a glimpse into how Burns and his family lived during the late 18th century with its extensive range of artefacts. It has become a key pilgrimage site for Burns enthusiasts from around the world.
Dumfries Museum and Camera Obscura
Dumfries Museum & Camera Obscura, is the largest museum in the area. The museum showcases extensive collections and tells the story of the region’s people and land relating to local and history from the pre-historic era. A museum that, and includes the world’s oldest working instrument, the Camera Obscura, an ancient scientific instrument. It is an old optical device that creates an image by focusing rays of light onto a screen or sheet of paper.
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Dumfries and Galloway Aviation Museum
Based around the original control tower of the former RAF Dumfries. The museum houses a fascinating collection of aircraft and flight memorabilia and includes rare exhibits, interactive displays, café and a gift shop.
The control tower is crammed to the roof with artefacts and memorabilia including aviation clothing from the two World Wars. There is an extensive selection of aircraft to view. These include wartime assault gliders, a ‘film star’ Hawker Siddeley Trident airliner, a supersonic Lightning interceptor and supersonic SAAB Draken fighters. The museum’s prize exhibit is Scotland’s only Battle of Britain veteran Supermarine Spitfire Mk II which was recovered from the waters of Loch Doon.
Other Local Attractions:
Kitchen Coos & Ewes
Farm and Highland coo experiences on a working farm as well as farmhouse baking fun. Definitely one to put on the ‘must visit’ list. Experience being among a herd of the famous and well loved Highland cows from the comfort of a purpose-built ‘safari’ trailer. There will be some great photo opportunities. Listen to how the herd benefit their natural environment and local wildlife. Finish off by enjoying traditional farmhouse baking with your hosts. Book a tour in advance as they are very popular.
Kitchen Coos & Ewes, near Dumfries
Mabie Farm Park
Nestled near the lovely Mabie Forest with views over the Solway Firth, Mabie Farm Park is original farm fun that’s delightful for all the family. It is a small amusement park for all ages with quad bikes, paddle boats, a long slide, plus trampolines and a petting zoo where visitors can feed and pet animals.
Annandale Distillery
A distillery that produces some of Scotland’s finest single malt whisky. Step back in time at Annandale Distillery, established in 1936 and one of Scotland’s oldest working distilleries. Explore the historic site, see the whisky-making in action, and savour award-winning single malts. There are three tours on offer, each offering a chance to see the unique distillation process, the craftsmanship and rich heritage behind their exceptional whiskies. Find out about the secrets of their peated and unpeated ‘expressions’. These include Man O’Sword and Man O’Words single cask single malt whisky, inspired by Robert the Bruce and Robert Burns.
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Corsewall Lighthouse
The A-listed striking Corsewall Lighthouse was established back in 1817 by Robert Stevenson and is situated on the northern tip of the Rhinns of Galloway. This historic lighthouse overlooks some of Scotland’s most spectacular coastline. It is now a unique small hotel within the former lighthouse keepers accommodation, with restaurant, offering high quality traditional Scottish food.
Getting to Dumfries:
Dumfries lies just 23 miles and approximately 40 minutes from our Farmhouse holiday cottage at Destination Balcary. It is also highly likely that it will be en-route as you either travel to and from Destination Balcary and a great place to stop and explore the great places to visit on the way.
More Information & Useful Links
- Visit Dumfries & Galloway – https://www.visitscotland.com/places-to-go/dumfries-gallowayisit
- What’s on in Dumfries – Attractions and Places to Visit in Dumfries
- Scotland Starts Here – Dumfries – https://scotlandstartshere.com/point-of-interest/dumfries/
- Destination Balcary – Local Places to Visit
- Great Things to Do in & Around Castle Douglas
- Heights, Sights & Great Views to Enjoy in Dumfries & Galloway
Devorgillas Bridge over the River Nith
